Mining machine



C. F. OSGOOD MINING MACHINE Filed April 12. 1926 March 27, 1928.

s sheets-sheen c. F. OSGOOD MINING MACHINE Filed April 12. 1926 s Sheets-Shept 2 March 27, 1928. 7

on J.

Patented Mar. 27, 1928.

UNITED STATES.

1,664,388 PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES 1r. oseoon, or cnannmon'r, NEW naursnmn, nssronoa 'ro sunnrvm mcnmnav comramr, a CORPORATION or massacnusnrrs.

LIININfi MACHINE.

This invention relates to mining machines and'more particularly to feeding mechanism for a mining machine of the continuous cutter, low vein type adapted to use with either 6 the longwall or room and pillar system of mining. I

A main object of this invention is to pro vide an improved continuous cutter, low vein I type mining machine having improved feeding means especially adapted to use with either the longwall or room and pillar systems of mining. Another object of this invention is to provide an im roved mining machine of extremely low an compact character especially ada ted to use in mines having narrow veins 0 coal. Still another object of this invention is to provide a mining machine of the low vein type, wherein the height of the driving motor substantially determines the height of the machine, having a power driven feed operating member and a power driven controlling or take-up member, these feeding and take-up members being arranged in an improved manner.

still further object of this invention is to provide a mining machine of the combined room and pillar and longwall low vein type having an improved arrangement of controlling and ieedin parts whereby the movement of the mac ine during cutting in either system of mining is greatly facilitated. These and other objects of my invention will, however, subsequently more fully appear.

as The invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement, and the combination of parts to be hereinafter particularly described and pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanyin drawings I have shown for purposes of illustration twoembodiments which my invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,-

Fig. 1 is a view primarily in plan with parts broken away to illustrate details f construction.

Fig. 2 is an elevation of the end of the machineremote from the cutting mechanism. 1

3 Fig.3 is a partial side elevational View of the feeding end. of the machine shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a central longitudinally extending vertical developed sectional vlew taken the feed controlling elements.

wit

substantially on line 4- 1: of Fig. 1, -parts being omitted to facilitate illustration.

Fig. 5 is a transverse vertical sectional iew 1taken substantially on line 55 of Fig. 6 is a detail sectional view of a portion of the clutch actuating mechanism taken on line 66 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a detail sectional view illustrat ing one of the controlling clutches.

Fig. 8 is a central longitudinally extending developed sectional view, similar to that shown inFig. 4, illustrating a modified form of feeding mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

ig.;10 is a detail sectional view illustrating the actuating mechanism for certain of Fig. 11 is a detail sectional view taken on line 1111 of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a detail sectional view taken on A line 12-,-12 of Fig. 1(I

In the illustrative construction shown in Figs. 1 to 7 the invention is embodied in an electric motor driven, flexibly fed mining machine of the continuous cutter type which isadapted to out either according to the. room and'pillar or the longwall system of mining and which is adapted to slide upon its bottom 1 or its top 2 to insert a kerf either substantially at the level of the mine bottom or a substantial distance above the bottom. The machine comprisesa generally rectangular elongated frame generally designated 3 from which at one end 'a cutter bar 4 extends provided with cuttin elements 5 cir-v culated in a closed orbit a out the outer edges of the bar, the bar 4 being ivotally mounted upon the end of the mac-ine and ada ted to be held in difierent positions respect thereto by suitable locking means 6. As 'illustrated,.the cutter bar may be held either in a posltion extending longitudinally of the machine frame 3 or at right angles to the same and at either'side thereof. In order to permit cuttin accordv ing to the room and pillar metho a guide sheave 7 having a suitable mountin 8 whereby it may be boltedto themac ine frame is provided adjacent the front end of the latter and this mounting can be shifted from side'to side of the machine frame depending upon the direction of cut desired. no

' Feeding of the machine may be accomplished by either of two flexible feeding elements 9 or 10, herein preferably wire ropes or cables, each wound u on a feed operating -member herein prefera ly in the form of winding drums, the latter being respectively designated 11 and 12. During longwall cutting, the feed operating member and flexible feeding member adiiacent the face may preferably be employe while during the room and pillar cutting the feed operating I member and the flexible feeding member at the advancin side of the machine may be utilized to e ect feed, while the other feed opera-ting member and flexible feeding member may be used to control the angular position of the machine relative to the coal. face.

Referrin chine, it Wlll be noted that the same herein preferably comprises three sections, a

motor section 13, a feed section 14-, and a cutter carrying section 15, the feed and cutter carrying sections being herein disposed at 0 posite ends of the motor section and rigi ly connected to the latter at points above the bottom of the sections in such manner as to'form a rigid and a very low compact frame slidable on the mine bottom. It will be particularly noted that herein the upper and lower surfaces of the three sections 13, 14 and 15 are preferably in common planes in such manner as to unite to form a single shoe adapted to permit free movement of the machine thereon over the mine bottom. The operative connections between thecutting mechanismv and the motor 16 arranged within the motor section 13 may be of any suitable type and require no detailed illustration and description since they may follow the general construction illustrated in the copending application of one Morris P. Holmes, Ser. No. 619,839, filed February 19, 1923, with appropriate modifications in view of the reversible character of the electric motor or may take the form of the driving connections illustrated in the U. S. Patent to Levin 1,395,647 or any other suitable form,

The feeding mechanism is actuated by the end of the motor 16 remote from the cutting mechanism, said motor having a horiaontal armature shaft 17 extending longitudinally of the machine frame and this shaft carries at one endv a driving pinion 18.

more particularly to the ma-' armature shaft 17. The gears 19 and 20 are respectively provided with friction clutch mechanisms generally designated 21 and 22.

and these friction clutch mechanisms serve to connect the gears 19 and 20 respectively in driving relation to shafts 23 and 24, the former being journaled in suitable bearings 25 while the latter is journalcd in suitable spaced bearings 26 and 27, the bearings 25, 26 and 27 being carricdby the machine frame. As the friction clutch mechanisms 21 and 22 are substantially identical in structure a detailed description of one will suffice for both. Referring to Fig. 7, it will be observed that the gear 19 has formed integral therewith a sleeve-like portion 28 forming a housing for the clutch mechanism. Fur thermore, the gear 19 is provided with a bearing portion 29 in the form of a hub' which is freely rotatable upon the periphery of a bearing sleeve 30 which is supported on the hub of a clutch member 31 splined, as at 32, to the shaft 23. The sleeve portion 28 carries a series of friction clutch disks 33 which are interleaved with a series of friction clutch disks 34 carried by the clutch member 31. The gear 19 also forms an abutment 35 against which .the clutch disks may be pressed by a slidablepre'ssure applying member 36 having fingers engaging the end clutch disk 34. The member 36 is mounted upon the hub portion of awclutch disk retaining member 37 suitably supported on the shaft 23 adjacent the clutch member 31. The clutch disks of each of the clutches 21 and 22 may be forced into fric tional engagement by any suitable mechanism. Herein hand wheels 38 and 39 are preferably provided which are adapted to control the rotation of longitudinally removable, threaded rods 40 and 41 which engage threaded nuts 42 and 43 (see'Fig. 6) with which the free bifurcated ends of the clutch loading levers 44 and .45 cooperate. The levers 44 and 45 are each pivoted, as at 46, on the machine frame and are provided at their inner ends with roller equipped clutch loading fingers 47 which are adapted to engage the pressure applying members 36 of each of the clutch mechanisms. It will therefore be evident that upon rotation of the hand wheel 38 the nut 42 will be,moved axially relative to the rod 40, thereby causing the shipper lever 44 to swing about its pivot 46, moving the pressure applying member 36 axially and forcing the friction clutch disks together, thus connecting the gear 19 with the shaft 23 to effect driving of the latter. Rotation of the hand wheel disks of the clutch 22, thereby connecting the gear 20 with the shaft 24 to effect driv-' ing of the latter.

, Referring more particularly to the specific' feed gearing 1t will be observed that feed operating members 11 and 1 2. The

worm 52 meshes with aworm gear 54 rota-table upon a vertical axis disposed in the longitudinal center of the machine-and the worm gear has a hub keyed, as at 5 5, to the upper end of a vertically disposed shaft 56. The worm gear 54 is journaled in ball bear-- ings 57 located by a detachable cover plate .58 suitably secured to the machine frame.

The shaft 56 is provided with a flange 59 at its upper end engaging the inner race of the ball bearing 57. Rotatably mounted upon the periphery of the shaft- 56 below and coaxially with the worm gear 54 and journaled upon spaced alined ball bearings 60 is a sleeve portion 61 of a worm gear 62 with which the worm 53 meshes. The worm gear 62 is a planet carrier and has mounted thereon a plurality of radially located stub shafts 63 surrounded by spaced alined bearings 64 upon which planet gears 65 are rotatable. Adjacent its lower end the shaft 56 has mounted thereon a spur pinion 66 which meshes with the several planet cars 65. The lower end of the shaft 56 is ournaled ina ballthrust bearing 67 supported in the upper end of a sleeve member 68 which is bolted, as at 69, to a member 70 secured, as by screws 71, to the bottom of the machine frame. ,As illustrated,surrounding the sleeve member 68 and rotatable upon spaced alined ball bearings 72 is a sleeve portion 73 which is provided externally at its lower end with spur gear teeth 74 and carries at its upper end an internal gear 75 with which the planet gears 65 mesh. In accordance with this invention the spur gear teeth 74 mesh with the teeth on an intermediate or idler gear 76 journaled on a bearing sleeve 77 supported by a stud 78 secured to the machine frame. Meshing with the intermediate spur gear 76 are larger spur gears 79 and 80 which are rotatable on parallel verti-' cally extending axes spaced equidistant from the longitudinal center of' the machine. The gears 79 and 80 drive through transmission mechanism, to be hereinafter described, the winding drums 11 and 12 respectively. As the driving connections between the gears 79 and 80 and the drums 11 and 12 respectively are substantially identical instructure. a description of one will suffice for both. Referring to Fig. 4, it will .be noted that the spur gear 80 is provided with an upstandin hub portion 81 which is rotatably mounte on a bearing sleeve 82 supported by a vertically disposed shaft 83 non-rotatably secured, as by a threaded connection 84 and a spline connection 85, to the machine frame.

tion 14. rEncircling the shaft 83 is a pres sure applyinganember 89 having project-ing .ially relative to the shaft fingers engaging the end clutch disk 87. The upper end of the shaft 83 is threaded as at 90 and cooperating with this threaded portion is a nut 91 on which a hand wheel 92 is formed. Intel-posed between the pressure applying member 89 and the nut 91 is a ball thrust bearing 93. The hand wheel for the friction clutch controlling rotation of the winding drum 11 is designated at 94. It will thus be evident that upon rotation of the hand wheel 92 the nut 91 moves ax- 83. forcing the pressure applying member 89 into tight engagement with the clutch disk, thereby connecting the drum 12 to the hub of the gear 80, consequently effecting driving of the drum. Rotation of the hand wheel 94 will cause the connection of the drum 11 to the gear 79, thereby effecting rotation of this drum.

The machine is provided at its end remote from the cutter bar 4 with lateral guide sheaves 95 and 96 adjacent opposite sides of the frame and also with a central guide sheave 97, and these. guide sheaves are adapted to guide the feed cables 9 and 10 during the various operations of the ma chine.

The mode of operation of the first form of the invention may now be described. As iswell known, rotation of the central gear 66 of the epicyclic gear train of the type disclosed while the planet carrier gear 62 remains stationary, causes rotation in the opposite direction of the internal gear 75 which forms the outside member of the gear train, while bodily rotation of the planet carrier with the central pinion 66 stationary causes rotation of the internal gear 75 in the same direction as the direction of rotary movement of the planet carrier. As there is a reverse in the direction of rotation of iso rection at both the slow and fast speeds, the

. pitch than the worm 52. It will now be evident that in moving the machine to a desired position the gear 20 upon application of its controlling clutch 22 may be caused to effect drive of the shaft 24 and so drive the worm 53 with a resultant relatively rapid rate of rotation of one o'rthe other of the drums 11 and 12, it being understood that the cooperating worms and worm gears are selflocking and that the worm gear 54 is held stationary at this time. During cutting, however, the gear 20 upon suitable application of its controlling clutch 21 may serve to drive through pinions'48 and 49the worm 52 with a resultant considerably slower rate of rotation. A third speed can be obtained by causing both the worms 52 and 53 to rotate simultaneously and variations of such speeds may be secured by suitable slippage of the controlling clutches 21 and 22. It will further be noted that difierent speeds of ro tation of the feed operating members 11 and 12 can be obtained by allowing the clutches for connecting the drums to their respective driving. elements to slip to different extents. In the operation of the improved mining machine when utilized in accordance with the longwall system of minin the cable 9 may be extended along the si e of the ma chine, as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1

and attached in a suitable manner to the bar locking means 6 and the cutter bar may he swung or slued about its pivot at a slow or cutting speed under the control of the friction clutch 21 and also the friction clutch 86, 87 controlling rotation of the drum 11, from the dotted line position shown in Fig. 1 'to the full line position and the cutter bar then rigidly locked to the machine frame by the locking means 6. The cable 9 is then detached from the bar locking means and extended around the guide sheave 95 to a point in advance of the machine frame, the free end of this cable being anchored in a suitable manner. The hand wheel 94 is then. manipulated by the operator and the clutch 86, 87 controlling rotation of the drum 11 applied, thus causing the drum llito wind in the cable 9 and the machine is fed at a cutting speed, under the control of the hand wheel 38. relative to the face of the coal. If it is desired to angle the machine during cutting, for instance if a sulphur ball or other unduly hard substance is encountered, the cable 10 is extended in a suitable manner, for instance along the side of the machine frame, as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1, and around the guide sheave 7 to a suitable anchor. The friction manner, the cable 9 feeding the machine clutch 86, 87 controlling the drum 12 may then be applied and the cable 10 wound in, thus causing the machine frame and cutter bar to be swung angularly relative to the face of the coal. It will be obvious that the cutter bar may be locked at the opposite side of the machine frame and the cables 9 and 10 may be extended in any desired manner to obtain any desired operation of the machine. Durlng the operation of themachine in accordance with the room and pillar system of mining, itfwill be noted that the cutter bar is locked'in alinement with the longitudinal axis of the machine frame as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1. The cable 9 is then extended from the feed drum. 11 around the guide roll 95 and around the front guide sheave 7 laterally to a point in advance of the advancing side of the machine and suitably anchored in position; The receding cable 10 is extended from the drum 12 laterally of the machine frame to a point in the rear of the receding side of the machine and likewise suitably anchored in position. The operator then manipulates the hand wheel 38 and the slow speed clutch 21 is loaded and then upon suitable manipulation of the hand wheels 92 and 9 1 the cables 9 and 10 are governed in a suitable while the cable 10 maintains a desired controlling tension on therear end of the ma chine frame, thus preventing the cutter bar from being swung outwardly away from the kerf. It will herein be noted that if it is desired to cut in the opposite direction the cables 9 and 10 may be rewound on'their respective drums and extended in an opposite manner and the guide sheave 7 transposed to the opposite side of the machine frame, the motor 16 reversed, and the cutter bits turned in their respective links. Next referring to Figs. 8 to 12 another embodiment of the invention may M abserved. Here, it wiil be noted that illustration of the cutting end of the machine is entirely omitted, this mechanism being the same as in the previous form. The machine in this instance, however, is not made in vertible and can operate only as an underin cutter. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention the armature shaft 100 has secured thereto a spur pinion 101 which meshes with a spur gear'102 securedto a horizontal shaft 103 extending longitudiran nally of the machine frame and dlsposed parallel with the armature shaft. The shaft 103 is suitably journaled in bearings carried by the machine frame and has secured thereto a worm 10 4: (see Fig. 9) which meshes ass with a worm gear 105 which is mounted upon and keyed to a sleeve 106 carrying at its lower end a driving pinion 107. The sleeve166 is journaled upon a bearing sleeve 108 which surrounds a shaft 109. The shaft sleeve 111 and has a bearing thereon interwithin the machine frame.

mediate the gear 105 and the pinion 107. The casing 112 comprises a web portion 113 and a cylindrical portion 114 having a suitable friction band 115 on its outer periphery for controlling the rotation of the casing. In this instance, mounted within the casing and disposed concentrically therewith is'a ring-shaped cage 116 in which is carried a plurality of planetary gear members 117 rotatable on suitable vertical pins 118 mounted at their ends in the lateral facesof the cage 116. Each of the members 117 comprises two coaxial pinions 119 and 120 connected together so as torotate as a single unit. The pinion 119 of each planetary gear-has a pitch diameter larger than its companion pinion 120 and is meshed with the driving pinion 107. An internal gear 121 is arranged within the casing 112 and is keyed as indicated atv 122 to rotate therewith. Said internal gear 121 meshes with the pinions 119 of the planetary gears. Adjacent the internal gear 121 is a second internal gear 123 free to turn in the casing 112. This internal gear has a smaller diameter than the gear 121 and meshes with the pinion 120 of the planetary gear members 117. Attached to the internal gear 123 is an end plate 124 havin a clutch member 125 and affording a loose t. driving connection to the shaft 109, driven through one train of gears as will be hereinafter explained. A retaining ring 126 is attached to the periphery of the casing 112 by means of suitable bolts 127 and engages the outer face of the ring 124 to form an oil and dust proof enclosure for the gearing in the casing. The.

high speed connection to the shaft 109 comprises an annular clutch ring 128 seated within the cage 116 and keyed thereto. This clutch ring is provided with a plurality of inwardly extending clutch jaws 130 adapted to engage with oppositely extending clutch jaws 131 carried by a clutch member 132 which is slidable longitudinally of and surrounds the shaft 109. The clutch member 132 is splined to the shaft 109 so as to effect rotation of the latter and may be shifted longitudinally along the shaft by any suitable mechanism. This shifting mechanism herein preferably comprises a collar 133 and a cooperating shipper yoke 134 rotatably mounted on a transversely disposed shaft 135 suitably secured at its opposite ends The shipper yoke 134 is in the form of a bell-crank and ,is provided with an upstanding arm 136 which has a suitable pin and slot connection 137 with an actuating rod 138 extending longitudinally of the machine and disposed coaxially through a portion of the applying mechanism for the brake band 115 to be hereinafter described. The rod 138 is provided at its outerend with an operating han- 'dle 139. It will thus be evident that the operator may thrust the rod 138 longitudinally in either direction to vary the position of the shipper yoke 134 and consequently the clutch controlled thereby. In the position of the clutch member 132 illustrated in Fig. 9 the clutch jaws 131 are in neutral position, that is, intermediate and disengaged from .the clutch ring 128 of the high speed connection and the clutch jaws 125 of the low speed connection. the high speed and low speed connection is made by shifting the clutch member 132 upwardly or downwardly from its neutral po- The driving connection with sit-ion. A second retaining ring or plate 140 j is attached to the outer face of the end plate 124 adjacent the clutch member to form a closure between the end plate 124 and the clutch member 132. The friction band 115 ma be of any suitable design and is contro led by a pair of cam members 141 which cooperate with cam me'mbers 142 formed on a lever 143 pivotally connected to the brake band, as at 144. The upper end of the lever 143 is bifurcated as at 145, and has a pin and slot connection 146 with a rectangular nut member 147, the latter being threaded to a hollow operating sleeve 148 through which the actuating rod-138 for the clutch member 132 extends. The outer end of the sleeve 148 has secured thereto an operating handle 149. The brake band 115 is secured intermediate its ends to the machine frame as by a connection 149. It will therefore be evident that upon rotation of the member 149 and consequently the sleeve 148 the nut 147 may be moved axially, thereby causing the lever 143 to swing about its pivot, and consequently applying or releasing the brake band 115 at will.

Before describing the transmission mechamsm between the shaft 109 and the feed operating members 11 and 12, the operation of the mechanism for effecting rotation at different speeds of the shaft 109 may be described. The high speed drive of this shaft takes place through the pinion 107, planetary gears 119, cage 116, clutch rin 128, and clutch member 132, and the clute member 132 engages the clutch ring 128. .The pinion 107 rotates the planetary gears about their respective axes and as the latter are meshed with the internal gear 121 keyed to the casing 112 they should either rotate this casing, if the brake band 115 is released, in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the pinion 107, or if the brake band 115 is applied, under an orbital motion themselves about the axis of the pinion 107 and carry with them at an equal angular. rate the cage 116 on which they are mounted. The cage 116 will, of course, rotate at a rate less than thev rate of angular rotation of the pinion 107. The clutch ring 128 being ke ed to the cage 116 will be carried therewit and in turn may be connected to the shaft 109by means of the clutch member 132. When a slow speed rotation of the shaft 109 is desired, the clutch 132 will be shifted downwardly and low speed driving will then take place through pmion 107, planetary gears 120, internal gear 123, end plate 124, clutch member 125, and clutch member 132. Under these circumstances there will be a compound epicyclic re duction and the shaft 109 will be rotated at a slow speed in the same direction as previously rotated at a high speed. The shaft 109 has keyed thereto at its lower end a spur pinion 1.50 which meshes with an intermediate spur gear 151 journaled on a bearing sleeve 152 carried by. a vertical stud 153 suitably secured to the machine frame. The gear 151 meshes with the gears 79 and 80 described in the previous form of this invention, the driving connections and clutch mechanisms between the gears 79 and 80 and the drums 11 and 12 being substantially identical with those described in the above form.- From the foregoing description it will be evident that the drums 11 and 12 may be rotated .in the same direction at either a fast ora slow predetermined speed and that either of the speeds may be varied at will upon suitable slippage of the brake band 115.

The mode of operation of the mechanism described in this embodiment of the invention is clear from its very nature and in view of the description of the operation of the preferred form of the invention, further discussion of the same is considered unnecessary, the machine operating in a substan tially, identical manner to that described above. These and other operations and advantages of both forms of the machine will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While I have in this application specifically described two forms which my invention may assume in practice, these forms will be understood to be shown for purposes of illustration and the invention may be modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the .scop ehof the appended claims.

tively rotatable feed operating members each rotating on a vertical axis, and means for connecting said members to said gearing independently.

2. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom during operation of the machine and carrying a motor, and means for feeding the machine bodily laterally during the cutting operation including plural speed transmission gearing driven by said motor, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members each rotating on a vertical. axis, and means for connecting said members to said gearing including friction clutches coaxial with said members. 1

3. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom during operation of the machine and carrying a motor, and means for feeding the machine bodily laterally during the cutting operation including a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members each rotating on a vertical axis, and plural speed transmission mechanism between said motor and said members including means for independently controlling said members.

4. In a miningmachine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom during operation of the machine and carrying .a motor, and means for feeding the machine bodily laterally during the cutting operation including a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members each rotating on a. vertical axis, and plural speed transmission mechanism between said motor and said members including a plurality of selectively operable friction clutches disposed on vertical axes.

5. In a mining machine, frame slidable on its bottom on the min bottom during pperation of the machine and carrying a motor, and means for feeding the machine bodily lateral] during the butting operation including a p urality of relatively rotatable feed operating members each rotating on a vertical axis, and plural speed transmission mechanism between said motor and" said members including selectively operable friction clutches disposed coaxially with said members.

6. In a mining machine, a motor, plural speed epicyclic gearing driven thereby, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operatin members rotating on parallel vertical ly disposed axes, and means for connecting said members to said caring.

7. In a mining machlne, a motor, plura speed epicyclic gearing driven thereby, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members each rotating on a vertical axis, and means for connecting said members to said gearing.

8. In a mining machine, a motor, plural speed epicyclic gearing driven thereby, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members each rotating on a vertical axis, and means for connecting said members to said gearing including friction clutches coaxial with said members. i i

9. In a mining machine, a motor, a plural speed mechanism driven thereby disposed on a vertical axis, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members rotating on parallel axes, and means for connecting said members to said gearing.

. 10. In a mining machine, a motor, a plural speed mechanism driven thereby disposedon. a vertical axis, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members rotating on parallel axes, and means for connecting said members to said gearing including friction clutches coaxial with said members.

11. In a mining machine, a motor, a plural ating-members each rotating on a vertical axis, and means for connecting said members to said gearing including friction clutches coaxial with said members.

13. In a'mining machine, a motor, a plural speed mechanism disposed on a vertical axis, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members rotating on parallel vertical axes, and means for connecting said members to said gearing.

14. In a mining machine, a motor, a plural speed mechanism disposed on a vertical axis, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members rotating on parallel vertical axes, and means for connecting said members to said gearing including friction clutches coaxial with said members.

15. In a mining machine, a motor, plural speed epicyclic gearingdriven thereby with its axis of orbital movement disposed vertically midway between the sides of the machine, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members each rotating on a vertical axis, and means for connecting said members to said gearing.

16. In a mining machine, a motor, plural speed epicyclic gearing driven thereby with its axis of orbital movement disposed vertically midway between the sides of the machine, a plurality-of relatively rotatable .feed operating members rotating on parallel vertical axes, and means for connecting said members to said gearing;

, "217. In a mining machine, a motor, plural speed epicyclic gearing driven thereby with its axis of orbital movement disposed vertically midway between the sides of the machine, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members each rotating on a vertical axis, and means for connecting said members to said gearing including friction clutches coaxial with said members.

18. In a mining machine, a motor, plural speed epicyclic gearing driven thereby with its axis of orbital movement disposed vertically midway between the sides of the machine, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members rotating on parallel axes, and means for connecting said members to said gearing including friction clutches c0- axial with said members.

19. In a mining machine, a motor, plural speed epicyclic gearing driven thereby with its axis of orbital movement disposed vertically midway between the sides of the machine, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members rotating on parallel vertical' axes at each side of the longitudinal center of the machine, and means for connecting said members to said gearing.

20. In a mining machine, a motor, plural speed epicyclic gearing driven thereby with its axis of orbital movement disposed vertically midway between the sides oLthe machine, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members rotating on parallel vertical axes at each side of the longitudinal center of the machine, and means for connecting said members to said gearing including friction clutches coaxial with said members.

21. In a mining machine, a motor, plural speed epicyclic gearing driven thereby with its axis of orbital movement disposed vertically, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members rotating on parallel axes disposed equidistant from said axis of orbital movement, and me for connecting said members to said geai ig 22. In a mining machine, a motor, 5mm speed epicyclic gearing driven thereby with its axis of orbital movement disposed vertically, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members rotating on parallel axes disposed equidistant from said axes of orbital movement, and means for connecting said members to said gear including friction clutches coaxial with said members.

23. In a mining machine, aframe slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom and carrying a motor, and feeding means driven by said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally during the cutting operation in: cluding plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its predetermined speeds, and a. plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members driven by said transmission means each rotating on a vertical axis.

I 24. In a mining machine, a. frame slidable on its bottom on the mine'bottom and carrying a motor, and feeding means driven by said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally during the cutting operation including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlling each of its predetermined speeds, and a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members driven by said transmission means each rotating on a vertical axis, and means for independently controlling said members.

25. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding means driven by said motor including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of said predetermined speeds and comprising a terminal element transmitting power at each speed, a plurality of relatively rotatable rope Winding drums driven by said terminal element each rotating on a vertical axis, and a friction clutch disposed coaxially in each of said drums.

26. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding means driven by said motor including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its predetermined speeds, and a plurality of relatively rotatable rope winding drums driven thereby rotating on parallel vertical axes.

27. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding means driven by said motor including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its predetermined speeds and comprising a terminal element transmitting power at each speed, and a plurality of relatively rotatable rope winding drums driven by said element each rotating on a vertical axis.

28. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding means driven by said motor including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of the predetermined speeds and comprising a terminal element transmitting power at each speed, and a plurality of relatively rotatable rope winding drums driven by said element rotatable on parallel Vertically extending axes.

29. Ina mining machine, a motor, and

' feeding means driven by said motor including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its predetermined speeds and comprising a terminal elementrotating on a vertical axis and transmitting power at each speed, and a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members driven by said terminal element rotatable on parallel axes in a common zone extending transversely of the machine.

30. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom and carrying a motor, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally during the cutting operation including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its predetermmed speeds and comprising fast and slow speed clutches, and a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members driven by said transmission means each rotating on a vertical axis.

31. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its predetermined speeds and comprising fast and slow speed clutches, and a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members driven by said transmission means ro tating on parallel vertical axes.

32. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its predetermined speeds and comprising fast and slow speed clutches, a driving terminal element adapted to be selectively driven through said clutches, relatively rotatable feed operating members driven by said element each rotatable on a vertical axis, and a friction clutch disposed coaxially with each feed operating member. 0

33. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of itspredetermined speeds andcomprising fastand slow speed clutches, a driving terminal element adapted to be selectively driventhrough said clutches, and relatively rotatable feed operating members driven by said element rotatable on parallel vertical 1 axes, and a friction clutch disposed coaxially with each feed operating member.

34. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom and carrying a motor, and feeding mechanism driven 106 by said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally during the cutting operation including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its predetermined speeds and comprising 110 fast and slow speed clutches, a driving terminal element rotatable on a vertical axis and adapted to be selectively driven'through said clutches, and relatively rotatable winding drums driven by said element each 10- X1! tating on a vertical axis.

35. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding mechanism driven by said motor including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each 12 of said predetermined speeds and comprising fast and slow s eed clutches, a driving terminal element adapted to be selectively driven through said clutches, and relatively rotatable winding drums driven by said ele- 12 ment rotatable on parallel vertically extending axes.

36. In a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom and carrying a motor, and feeding means driven by lib said motor for feeding the machine bodily laterally during the cutting operation comprising variable speed transmission mechanism, and a plurality of independently controllable feed operating members driven thereby rotating on parallel vertical axes said feed operating members being relatively rotatable.

each rotating on a vertical axis.

38. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding means driven thereby comprislng variable speed transmisslon mechanism d1sposed on a vertical axis and including driving elements, clutch means for rendering said driving elements selectively operative H as the effective; driving element, and a plurality of relatively rotatable feed drums rotatable on parallel vertical axes.

39. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding means driven thereby comprising variable speed transmission mechanism disposed on a vertical axis and including driving elements, clutch means for rendering said driving elements selectively operative as the efl'ective driving element, and a plurality of relatively rotatable feed drums each rotating on a vertical axis, the axes of said clutch means being parallel to a line parallel to said drum axes.

40. In a mining machine, a motor, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven from the other end of said motor comprising plural redetermined speed transmission means rictionally controlled at each of its redetively rotatable feed operating members driven thereby each rotating on a vertical axis.

41. Ina mining machine, a motor, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven from the other end of said motor comprising plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its redetermined speeds, and. a plurality o relatively rotatable feed operating members driven thereby rotatable on parallel vertical axes. Y

42. In a mining machine, a motor,'cutting p mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven by. the other end of said motor including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its predetermined speeds and disposed on a vertical axis, and a plurality of independently conrelatrollable relatively rotatable feed operating members driven thereby.

43. In a mining machine, a motor, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said 1110-,

tor, and feeding mechanism driven by the other end of said motor including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its predetermined speeds and disposed on a vertical axis, and a plurality of independently controllable relatively rotatable feed operating members driven thereby each rotating on a vertical axis.

44. In a mining machine, a motor, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven by the other end of said motor including plural' predetermined speed transmission means I frictionally controlled at each of its predetermined speeds and disposed on a vertical axis, and a plurality of independently c0ntrollable relatively rotatable feed operating members driven thereby rotating on parallel axes.

45. In a mining machine, a motor,cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven by the other end of said motor including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its predetermined speeds and disposed on a vertical axis, and a plurality of independently controllable relatively rotatable feed operatin members driven thereby rotating on paralle vertical axes. I

46. In a mining machine, a motor, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven from the frictionally controlled at each of its predea termined speeds, a plurality of independently controllable relatively rotatable feed operating members driven thereby, one of said feed operating members being rotatable on an axis disposed in a vertical transverse plane, and means for independently controlling said members including a friction clutch disposed coaxially with each of the same.

47. In a mining machine, a motor, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven from the other end of said motor comprising plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its prede termined speeds, said'mechanism being disosed on a vertical axis, a plurality'of relatively rotatable feed operating members rotatable on parallel axes and driven thereby, and means for independently controlling said members including'a friction clutch disposed coaxially with each of the same.

tor, and feeding mechanism driven from the other end of said motor comprising plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its predetermined speeds, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members each rotating on a vertical axis and driven thereby, and means for independently controlling said members including a friction clutch disposed coaxially with each of the same.

49. In a mining machine, a motor, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor, and feeding mechanism driven from the other end of said motor comprising plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at'each of its pre- 7 determined speeds, a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members rotating on parallel vertical axes and driven thereby, and means for independently controlling said members including a friction clutch disposed coaxially with each of the same.

50. In a mining machine, a horizontal motor having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one end of said motor including a pivoted cutter bar. swingable in a horizontal lane and feedin mechanism driven from the opposite end of said.motor including a.

plurality of relatively rotatable feed operof the machine, cutting mechanism driven from one endof said motor including a pivoted cutter bar swingable in a horizontal plane, and feeding mechanism driven from the opposite end of said motor including plural predetermined speed transmission means frictionally controlled at each of its predetermined speeds and a plurality of relatively rotatable feed operating members driven thereby, each rotating on a vertical axis and adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature,

CHARLES F. oseoon. 

